How to wash your Custom Motorcycle with ease
Cleaning your custom motorcycle is essential, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to preserve its components and finishes over time. Proper washing makes it possible to remove potentially corrosive substances and carefully check the bike’s overall condition in every part.
After a ride by the sea or along unpaved roads, it is easy for salt residue, dust or mud to build up on your custom motorcycle. If not removed promptly, these elements can damage paintwork, metal parts and mechanical components.
Preparation
Before starting, it is important to prepare everything you need. Avoid improvised solutions or non-specific products: there are many motorcycle cleaning products on the market specifically designed to respect materials and finishes.
- Sponges: make sure they are soft and non-abrasive to avoid scratching the paintwork.
- Brushes: use them gently when cleaning wheels and spokes.
- Cloths and rags: essential for drying every part of the motorcycle properly.
- Chamois cloth: very soft and streak-free, ideal for more delicate surfaces.
- Microfibre cloth: perfect for the finishing touches and for applying polishing products.
- Gloves: useful for protecting your hands from scratches and cuts, especially when working in tight or hard-to-reach areas.
Now we are ready to get into the details and understand how to wash your motorcycle properly.
Methods and location
Always make sure that the engine is completely cold. Contact between hot surfaces and cold water could cause thermal shock and leave unwanted marks.
Also avoid washing the motorcycle in direct sunlight: the soap could dry too quickly, making rinsing less effective.
To prevent water from collecting inside the exhausts, protect the opening with a rubber plug or, alternatively, with a latex glove.
Let’s get started!
Pre-wash
As a preliminary step, spray a mixture of motorcycle cleaner and water over the entire surface. This step helps loosen surface dirt and reduces friction during hand washing.
If you are using a spray cleaner, always read the instructions: some products must be applied to a dry surface and left to act for a few minutes.
Rinsing should be carried out with a moderate-pressure water jet, to avoid damaging sensitive components.
At this stage, it is also advisable to clean the chain using a specific product such as the chain cleaner.
Cleaning
Start washing from the upper part of the motorcycle and work your way down.
Clean the sponge frequently if it tends to pick up dirt, and change the water in the bucket to reduce the risk of scratches.
Avoid scrubbing the chain and brake areas directly: these parts will be treated separately.
Rinsing
Rinse immediately after soaping to prevent streaks or marks that are difficult to remove from forming.
Drying and protection
The ideal solution is to use an air blower, which allows you to remove the water without touching the motorcycle.
Alternatively, use a very clean chamois cloth, dabbing the surfaces without rubbing.
To protect the bodywork and give it extra shine, apply a motorcycle wax or a specific protective product.
Finally, lubricate the chain with a dedicated product: water and detergent tend to remove the protective grease, making this step essential.
Knowing how to wash your motorcycle is the first step to enjoying every ride to the fullest. The second? Choosing the right custom motorcycle clothing. Are you ready for the next adventure?
